Protoplast: Definition, Plasmolysis & Living Status

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and implications of the term "protoplast" in the context of cell biology, particularly focusing on its relationship to the cell wall, cell membrane, and the concept of living status within cells. Participants explore the meanings and usages of the term, as well as its relevance during processes like plasmolysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the protoplast is defined as the part of the cell that remains after the cell wall is removed, and whether it includes the cell membrane.
  • There is a discussion about whether the protoplast is considered "living" and what that means in relation to organelles within the cell.
  • One participant cites a definition that describes the protoplast as the contents of a cell within the cell membrane, suggesting it is a fundamental entity.
  • Another participant expresses caution about using the term "protoplast" without specifying its context, noting that it can have multiple meanings.
  • Some participants agree on the definition of protoplast as it applies to plant and bacterial cells, but there is no consensus on its implications regarding living status.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic definition of protoplast as the part of the cell after the cell wall is removed, but there is disagreement regarding its living status and the implications of that status. The discussion remains unresolved on these points.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions provided, as they depend on specific contexts and usages. The term "protoplast" may have different interpretations, and its application to living status is not universally agreed upon.

Priyadarshini
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What is a protoplast? I know that it is a part of the cell wall. So is the cell membrane on the inner side of the protoplast? During plasmolysis, does the protoplast pulls away or does the cell membrane pull away from the cell wall? The book I am referring to says that the protoplast is "living". What do they mean? The cell is a living thing, but are the organelles individually living things? What makes the protoplast living and not another organelle of the cell a living component?
 
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Correct.

Protoplast applies to plant cells, and bacterial cells - it is the remains of the cell after the cell wall is removed. It is an old term.
 
Geofleur said:
Doesn't protoplast usually refer to the rest of the cell after the cell wall has been removed? http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protoplast
That is what I saw when I looked it up online, but funnily the text that I am following refers to it as the living part of the cell and that it moves away from the cell wall during plasmolysis. Thanks anyway!
 
jim mcnamara said:
Correct.

Protoplast applies to plant cells, and bacterial cells - it is the remains of the cell after the cell wall is removed. It is an old term.
Thanks!
 
Priyadarshini said:
That is what I saw when I looked it up online, but funnily the text that I am following refers to it as the living part of the cell and that it moves away from the cell wall during plasmolysis. Thanks anyway!

The quoted definition has 4 usages:

"
noun
1.
Biology.
  1. the contents of a cell within the cell membrane, considered as afundamental entity.
  2. the primordial living unit or cell.

2.
a person or thing that is formed first; original; prototype.

3.
the hypothetical first individual or one of the supposed first pair of aspecies or the like."

[ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protoplast ]

Hypothetically they can refer to the nucleus. I would stay away from using it, at least without specifying usage. And possibly stay away from texts that do use and doesn't specify! :woot:
 
Torbjorn_L said:
The quoted definition has 4 usages:

"
noun
1.
Biology.
  1. the contents of a cell within the cell membrane, considered as afundamental entity.
  2. the primordial living unit or cell.

2.
a person or thing that is formed first; original; prototype.

3.
the hypothetical first individual or one of the supposed first pair of aspecies or the like."

[ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protoplast ]

Hypothetically they can refer to the nucleus. I would stay away from using it, at least without specifying usage. And possibly stay away from texts that do use and doesn't specify! :woot:
Thanks!
 

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